Kids saw ‘dad kill mom with spade’

A Cape Town man is accused of brutally smashing his wife to death with a spade in front of their traumatised children.

Police claim Antonio Paulo Agostinho Saldanha ignored a protection order against him and used his young children to trick his way into the house he once shared with Claudia Agatha Saldanha.

According to court documents seen by the Daily Voice, Claudia obtained a protection order that prohibited Saldanha from threatening her, assaulting her or entering her Ravensmead home.

But he allegedly ignored this court order and on the morning of March 5, 2011, he went to her home in Poplar Street and demanded to be let in.

He allegedly told her that he was bringing their children – aged nine and five years old – to her because they wanted to be with her.

Police say that Claudia was home with her eldest daughter and some friends, but was too scared to open the door.

When she eventually opened the door, Saldanha allegedly forced his way into the house and started to assault his estranged wife.

Police claim he chased her through the house and smacked her and beat her with his fists once he got hold of her.

Saldanha allegedly grabbed a broom and began beating the young mom with it while their children watched in horror.

Police say Claudia grabbed a spade in an attempt to protect herself.

But Saldanha allegedly wrestled the garden tool from her and hit her with it.

When she tried to escape, he allegedly threw her to the ground and continued to beat her with the spade even after his young son tried to stop him.

Saldanha appeared in the Western Cape High Court last week where he faces charges of murder and ignoring a protection order.

Prosecutor Nadia Ajam told the court that a trial date has been set for later this month when his children are expected to testify against him.

*This article was published in the Daily Voice